Lexus ES owners have reported 9 unknown or other related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common unknown or other problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's unknown or other (9 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other problems |
Vehicle accelerated without warning when it was put in reverse, causing it to hit a parked car in back of it. The acceleration was instantaneous and very fast. As a result, the driver did not have time to react before the vehicle slammed into the parked car.
At about 2:00 pm on Dec 26, 2011, while parking in a public covered garage, I turned into the parking space, positioned my car, and was about to turn off the engine when the car lurched forward, hitting the concrete wall in front of me. The passenger in my car, my 21 year old daughter, also a licensed driver, felt the car lurch and accelerate forward. Since I had reached a good parking position, I am certain that I had my foot on the break and would not have been trying to accelerate. The injury to my foot, from all indications, shows that my foot was on the break. I had it x-rayed on Dec 27 at a patient first medical facility and also was seen on Dec 28, by my family physician. He examined my foot and indicated that my ankle sprain was injured as I was breaking; it would not have sustained that injury if my ankle would have been on the accelerator.
I was backing into a parking space at my town's transfer station. As I came to a stop, I began to shift into park with my foot on the break, the car suddenly accelerated out of my control. The vehicle smashed into a three foot concrete wall coming to a stop. The car suffered extensive back end damage. I was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for xrays of my neck and spine. Thankfully I am not injured. This vehicle was not under my control. It was as if it had a mind of it's own. I am a clear headed, forty eight year old female. I have a perfect driving record. This was the result of something out of my control. I believe this 2002 Lexus Es 300 is a dangerous car. I have only had the vehicle for two years. It was purchased as a second car for my husband. The car does not have floor mats nor did I confuse the accelerator and brake.
Consumer writes in regards to changes made to 2011 Lexus Es 350 vehicle the consumer stated someone usually drives her vehicle, to one location, and leave the keys in the car, so she can pick it up when she arrives. The consumer has since been informed by the dealer, it is no longer an option to leave the keys in the vehicle.
This complaint is not about the vehicle but about the process that Lexus has regarding safety recalls. This recall was during 2009. I read about it in the newspaper, called Lexus and was told it did not pertain to me. Many months later I received the recall letter saying my vehicle is affected, and this concerned me about Lexus' records and recall system. I had my vehicle corrected. Approx six months later, and again about a year afterwards, I received a similar recall letters saying Lexus' records reflect I need to have this safety condition corrected. When I called both times, they verified that I had already done this correction. When I questioned them, they said to just "ignore the letter and throw it away". I question the accuracy and the whole records keeping system by Lexus, and respectfully request that their system be officially reviewed. Recalls pertain to safety and I don't feel Lexus has a good handle on this.
The vehicle skid control (vsc) on my 2004 Es 330 engages on normal road conditions making the vehicle unpredictable and unsafe. When the vsc engages the computer takes over control of the acceleration and breaking systems. Its primary goal is to keep the vehicle straight. When the system malfunctions and engages when the vehicle is in a normal turn or curve the vsc computer will take control of the vehicle and force it to travel in what it believes is a straight line, placing the driver, occupants, and nearby vehicles and pedestrians in jeopardy. Being forced to drive in a straight line prevents the driver from completing a curve or turn and forces the vehicle to continue across traffic lanes and off the road. When the vsc engages due to a malfunction, the vehicle is a serious hazard. This has happened to me 4 times, twice with my family in the vehicle. I have left the vehicle with the dealer, but they have been unable to duplicate the problem and are unwilling to replace any parts unless there is a clear indication of a malfunction.
The plastic key to my 2002 Lexus Es300 cracked due to faulty product design and the microchip that controls the car fell out. I did not know this had happened and was unable to start the car. I was stranded in a rain storm and had to call Lexus for help. Subsequently I used an emergency key which was in my purse. Even though the break occurred because of faulty design, I had to order and pay for a new key ($206) because my car was beyond warranty. I was told by the Lexus service department that these keys break "more often than we would like ". Clearly, the design of the key is the problem. When the car key breaks the car is inoperable unless you have another key with you. The dealer has to order a new key and cannot start your car for you. This is a danger to consumers and owners of these cars. I was never advised that the key could crack and break due to normal use or that the car would be inoperable if the chip fell out. I complained to Lexus using their customer service on-line web site. Someone from a local dealership called me and was indifferent to the problem. I did not ask for my money back for the new key but stressed this is a safety issue. Luckily I was able to resolve my dilemma without injury but others may not be so lucky. When you pay $40,000 for a car you expect the key to hold up to normal use. I believe that all owners of Lexus products with this style key should be notified that this breakage may occur and be issued new unbreakable keys . Additionally, from what the service department told me Lexus knows this is a problem and should have issued a warning and a recall.
The car had just completed it 5000 miles service. After leaving the dealership I drove about 5 miles and was stopped at a traffic light. I felt a jolt and got out of my car and walked around the rear and saw a tire laying in the roadway between my car and the car behind me. The driver behind me said that the tire appeared out of nowhere and bounced up and under his car and then bounced back and hit my bumper. I did not realize that the spare tire is stored under the vehicle in the 2005 Lexus RX 330. I immediately returned to the dealer and showed the service manager the tire and the cover for the tire which had also fallen off. He opened the cover and found that the metal cable that held the tire in place had severed. He said he wanted to keep the car to show to a company representative. It is now 4 weeks later and we have not received our car back or heard form Lexus as to the resolution. Shortly before the incident, I had been traveling at 55 mph. Someone could have been seriously injured if this had happened while moving.
Consumer believes that the unintended acceleration is caused by an electrical problem.